Published Articles & Industry News

INITIAL INSPECTION DUE AUG 1, 2024 – Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures

Industry News | February, 2024

The Department of Buildings (DOB) recently issued an amended rule that requires all owners of parking structures in New York City that fall under Sub-cycle B (Manhattan Districts 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12; and Brooklyn) & C (All Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) to hire a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI) to perform a one-time initial observation of their parking structure and file an initial report by August 1st, 2024.

Don’t Fall Behind on Important Deadlines!

Industry News | October, 2023

Fall is a critical time in New York City and New Jersey for Building Owners and Property Managers to plan ahead for upcoming maintenance related inspections, filings, and requirements. Please review the several upcoming compliance deadlines that you don’t want to miss including

New Annual Parapet Wall Inspections Required by DOB

Industry News | October, 2023

The NYC Department of Buildings recently adopted a new rule requiring that all buildings, regardless of height, must have an annual inspection of their public right-of-way facing parapets.

Parking Garage Condition Assessments – NYS Requirements & Local Law 126

Industry News | April, 2023

On Tuesday, April 18th, a parking garage collapsed in lower Manhattan, killing one person and injuring five others. While the cause is still under investigation, structural issues are believed to be to blame for the tragic collapse. Recent changes were put into effect to prevent future negligence and destruction of parking garages across New York State and New York City.

How does a tragic building collapse spur new building safety legislation?

Industry News | June, 2022

NEW FISP AMENDMENTS RELEASED BY DOB

Industry News | November, 2021

The NYC DOB has released a new rule, which will take effect on November 12, 2021, and outlines amendments in order to clarify FISP requirements.

 

Covid-19 Industry Update – LL 11/98 (FISP) Compliance is Essential

Industry News | April, 2020

According to the NYC Department of Buildings, Local Law compliance inspections and tests are considered projects necessary to protect the
health and safety of occupants.

New Façade rules took effect February 20th in NYC

NYREJ | April, 2020

As of February 20, 2020, the newly amended rule governing exterior wall inspections and repairs has officially been put into effect. These new rules will have quite a large impact on building owners across New York City, including more stringent rules, new scaffold drop and probe requirements, and increased penalties – all of which point towards higher costs for the inspections and maintenance of buildings over six stories.

QUICK FIXES NEVER PAN OUT

February, 2019

As one of the top 10 firms filing Local Law 11/98 (FISP) in New York City (out of 500 vendors total), Merritt’s team was fortunate to receive a first-hand presentation from the DOB’s Façade Unit covering everything from façade inspection requirements to our professional responsibilities as Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI’s).

GETTING THE BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Habitat | October, 2018

Anita Konfederak articulates this cost-benefit analysis, among other key points from a building envelope perspective, in her recent interview with Habitat Magazine. Click on the link above to read more.

CONSTRUCTION BILL OF RIGHTS

Habitat | February, 2018

“If you need a work permit to build or alter your building, demolish your building, or make any other nonminor changes, then you will need a work permit and you will need a Safe Construction Bill of Rights,” says Doug Schultze, vice president/senior project manager at Merritt Engineering.

IREM’s Asset & Property Management Symposium

Industry News | April, 2017

Listen in as our own, VP/Sr. PM, Chris Krepcio, PE, interviews a panel of esteemed industry professionals including Colliers, Silverstein, Taconic & Time Equities. Remember, investing in your building’s maintenance program will save you significant costs down the line.

PULSE HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE

Industry News | November, 2016

Listen in as our Vice President, Anita Konfederak, discusses the challenges Healthcare Facilities face during the Design and Construction phases of a project. This distinguished panel also included industry giants such as Donna Ryan-Rose of Northwell Health and William Allan of Hunter Roberts Construction Group.

DOB NOW – Interactive web-based portal

Habitat Magazine | October, 2016

 
On September 12, 2016, the DOB launched its new interactive web-based portal, transforming all in-person and paper-based interactions into a complete online experience.

For more information and interviews with Merritt Engineering staff members, read Habitat’s article, “The Department of Buildings Is Entering the 21st Century.”

DOB NOW (FACADE EFILING) & ECB AMNESTY PROGRAM

Industry News | August, 2016

1. On September 12, 2016, the DOB will launch its new interactive web-based portal, transforming all in-person and paper-based interactions into a complete online experience.

2. If you have any outstanding ECB violations or fines, you will be happy to learn that from September 12, 2016 through December 12, 2016, the Department of Finance will be administering an ECB Amnesty Program to forgive open/unpaid violations and fines.

Repairing Roofs before Stormy Weather

Industry News | October, 2015

Thankfully we were spared from the impact of Hurricane Joaquin. The threat of this type of storm, however, begs the question – is your building ready?

To help you get started, Mario Cirigliano, Vice President of Merritt Engineering, provides three steps for protecting your buildings and occupants from dangerous storms.

5 Reasons to Inspect & Maintain Your Building Envelope this Fall

Industry News | October, 2015

If you are a Property Manager or Building Owner, you’ll want to read these 5 critical reasons for inspecting and maintaining your building envelope this fall.

DOB New Law – Have Your Cooling Towers Inspected!

Industry News | August, 2015

The NYC DOB recently issued a memo regarding a new law establishing registration and inspection requirements for cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers. Please click here to read full memo.

 

Retaining Walls Need Maintaining Too

NY Real Estate Journal | July, 2015

Building Owners and Managers in New York City should be aware of an important law, Local Law 37 of 2008, which requires the inspection, maintenance and repair of retaining walls. For more information on the new NYC DOB Retaining Wall Inspection Requirements, click here.

Watch Merritt Engineering on Inside Edition!

Inside Edition | June, 2015

Our own Chris Krepcio, Sr. VP, is interviewed on Inside Edition discussing safety of balconies in NYC.

Taking Care of the Facilities that Take Care of Us

Industry News | April, 2015

Over that past 29 years, Merritt has provided engineering and design services to over 70 hospital and medical facility buildings throughout NYC and Long Island. Anita Konfederak, VP of Merritt Engineering. talks about the importance and process of maintaining the facilities that take care of us.

FirstService Residential’s Conference & Exposition – South Florida

Industry News | April, 2015

Merritt was a proud exhibitor at FirstService Residential’s Conference & Exposition held at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in South Florida.

How should you prepare for the 8th cycle of Local Law 11/98?

NY Real Estate Journal | December, 2014

By Charles A. Merritt

New Site Safety Requirements for Façade Alteration Projects

Industry News | December, 2014

The NYC Department of Buildings recently revised the Site Safetyrequirements for façade alteration projects on buildings 15 or more stories in height, filed on or after December 31, 2014.

Real Estate Local Law 11/98: Changes to Local Law 11/98: New balcony and railing requirements

NY Real Estate Journal | August, 2014

By Anita Konfederak 

The Long Arm of Local Law 11: Keeping Your Building’s Facade Up to Code

The Cooperator | August, 2014

By Shannon Terrell-Ernest

We’ve weathered the snow, but have our buildings?

NY Real Estate Journal | August, 2014

By Charles A. Merritt

Parking Garage Repair and Restoration: It is Critical to Perform Regular Inspections

NY Real Estate Journal | August, 2014

By Anmar Mohammed

Keeping NYC Buildings Safe

NY Real Estate Journal | August, 2014

By Charles A. Merritt

What’s So Special About Special Inspections?

NY Real Estate Journal | August, 2014

By Douglas Schultze & Andre Parnther

Anita Konfederak, VP, Merritt Engineering

2013 Top Women in Real Estate | August, 2014

Top Entrepreneurs 2013

Crain’s New York | August, 2014

Local Law 11/98 (FISP) Subsequent & Amended Reports

Skyline Restoration Newsletter | August, 2014

By Anmar Mohammed

Merritt Completes Façade Restoration at 565 Park Avenue

NY Real Estate Journal | August, 2014

Year In Review

NY Real Estate Journal | August, 2014

By Anita Konfederak

New Balcony & Railing Requirements are Here

Merritt Industry News | August, 2014

By Anita Konfederak

Engineer’s Corner: New Balcony & Railing Inspection Requirements

Skyline Restoration Newsletter | July, 2014

By Anita Konfederak

AIA 2013 Subway Show: New York New World

Industry News | October, 2013

Merritt Engineering showcases their engineering work in the AIANY 2013 Subway Show. Located at 50 Central Park West, The Prasada is an iconic building known for it’s grand entrance and delicate exterior.

PWC Teaching Girls to Persist in Male-Dominated Biz

Real Estate Weekly | December, 2012

Ten Steps to Consider to Ensure Your Next Roof Restoration is a Successful One

NY Real Estate Journal | June, 2011

By Charles A. Merritt

Who’s Who in Environmental Consulting, Engineering & Building Services

Long Island Business News | April, 2011

Featuring Charles A. Merritt